Safety & Accident

Ram Trucks Face Two Recalls

June 20, 2013
• by Staff

Ram’s parent company Chrysler Group said it will recall around 30,000 model-year 2013 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks. Manufactured between Sept. 9, 2012 and March 5, 2013, these trucks are equipped with optional premium tail lamps, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In the affected trucks, the turn signal indicator might not flash at a double rate to warn the driver of a turn signal malfunction, said NHTSA.

“Chrysler Group is unaware of any accidents, injuries or complaints associated with this recall,” said Kristin Kolodge, senior manager-product investigations and campaigns for Chrysler.

According to Chrysler, dealers will complete a software upgrade to reactivate the warning light at no cost to owners.

The recall is anticipated to start in July, says NHTSA.

For the issue with the front axle, Chrysler said it will recall approximately 6,900 model-year 2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks in the U.S. and Canada.

According to NHTSA, a welding problem with the front axle carrier could cause the front drive shaft to fracture. In turn, this could damage other components or result in a loss of drive power, says NHTSA.

Chrysler said that dealers will replace or fix the truck’s front axle free of charge.

From Uber drivers to scooter users and pedestrians buried in their cell phones, fleet drivers navigating medium-duty trucks in the big city face an entirely different reality than their suburban or rural counterparts.

Although automatic emergency brake systems have proven to prevent typical front-to-rear crashes, a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is exploring additional opportunities to increase the effectiveness of the technology.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Governors Highway Safety Association will jointly host a forum in April to address the ongoing problem of speeding, which is a factor in about 10,000 roadside fatalities each year.

With the goal of tightening an existing law prohibiting texting while driving, both houses of Virginia's General Assembly recently voted to ban the use of handheld mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle.

Several cities are responding to what they view as lax state legislation by passing their own distracted driving laws. Three states in the nation still allow texting while driving and only 16 have adopted hands-free laws, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.